Web resource appraisal process (WRAP): A framework to establish critically appraised nursing knowledge-an active web...

There have been dramatic advances in Internet technology in the past 10 years. However, for the Internet to reach its full potential for nursing practice and education, improvements in the quality and accessibility of health care information on the Internet are needed. This paper describes the development of a Web Resource Appraisal Process (WRAP). The WRAP consists of a template and series of online tutorials designed to facilitate the development of online resources for nursing. The WRAP can be described as a content focused authoring tool. The WRAP directs users through a range of high quality international health websites and databases in order to collect information related to specific practice areas. The WRAP then provides an ordered structure for the presentation of this information in an online format. The WRAP is a website with three main functions. Firstly, it is a teaching and learning resource promoting interactive learning using online resources. Secondly, the WRAP promotes the application of research evidence to practice by providing a standardised framework for the critical review of information resources. Thirdly, the WRAP provides a mechanism for the collaborative documentation of nursing knowledge. This paper concludes by discussing implications of the WRAP for the development, documentation and dissemination of knowledge across the health professions.